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Contributed PhotosArchie, a new member of the Falzone family, will appear in Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XIV Feb. 4, starting 3 p.m. At the time of the show’s filming, his name was Petrie.

Archie enjoys spending time with the Falzone family, especially children Marina, Hailey, Peyton and Phoebe. Not pictured are parents, Tom and Stephanie, and the family’s four cats. Tom is the former football coach at Catasauqua High School.

Contributed PhotoArchie loves playing in the snow with Phoebe Falzone. The family fostered him from August to November when they officially adopted the puppy.

Taking the field

When the Falzone family adopted Archie, an 8-week-old Pomeranian mix puppy, they didn’t realize they were bringing home a star.

Tom Falzone, former head football coach at Catasauqua High School, and his wife, Stephanie, decided to adopt a puppy in August through the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, Easton, to surprise their children, Marina, Hailey, Peyton and Phoebe.

The family of six fostered Archie until November when they were able to officially adopt him.

In October, the Falzone family was informed that Archie was selected to participate in the Puppy Bowl, an annual event on Animal Planet that features puppies playing on a faux football field to mimic the Super Bowl. The Puppy Bowl aims to raise awareness of adoption by featuring adoptable dogs.

The director of the shelter had submitted pictures of Archie to the Puppy Bowl producers before the Falzones adopted him. After the puppy was chosen for the television special, the director accompanied him to New York City for three days of filming. At the time, the puppy’s name was Petrie.

“We are just so thrilled that the shelter gets publicity, and hopefully this will encourage other people to adopt,” Stephanie Falzone said.

Archie, now 5-1/2 months old, loves playing with the family members, as well as the family’s four cats. According to Stephanie, he spends his time making the family laugh by taking toys and things from the children and making them chase him around the house.

“We are very excited for Archie. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we are just soaking it in and enjoying seeing Archie in the spotlight,” Stephanie said.

Be sure to look for Petrie on Team Ruff in Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XIV. The event will air 3 p.m. Feb. 4.